Obituary of Elinor M. Sturges

Elinor M Sturges, 95, of Panama, passed away at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing in Gerry on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. She was born on April 24, 1928, in Union City, PA; the daughter of the late Owen and Ida McEntarfer. She was a graduate of Panama Central High School and in earlier years she was employed at Marlin Rockwell for 33 years. Elinor was an adventurous person and enjoyed traveling. She was a member of the Senior Citizen Group and liked organizing trips for the group, whether it be a day trip or a mystery trip. She enjoyed being around people and helping others out. Elinor was also a member of the Panama Methodist Church for over 70 years. She was a very devoted family person and enjoyed spending time with her family. She had a big gift of hospitality. She enjoyed having family from out of town stay with her, as her home was always open to others. She enjoyed having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren around and enjoyed playing games with them. In earlier years, Elinor and her late husband were a part of the AFS exchange program. They hosted three exchange students. Elinor enjoyed flower gardening. She had a love for flowers, especially glads and roses. Elinor is survived by three children: Neil (Cindy) Sturges of Panama, NY, Linda (Bill) Schmalfuss of Rochester, NY and Kirk Sturges (Bill Stroud) of Arlington, VA; five grandchildren: Darcy (Joe) Lyon, Tim (Chrissy) Sturges, Matt (Amy) Schmalfuss, Melissa (Richard) Beale, and Rachele (Tyronne) Jones; a sister, Alice Pierce; and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Elinor was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Sturges; brother, Richard; sisters, Eileen and Francis; and grandson, Tom Sturges. The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Panama Methodist Church. Friends will be received by the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Graveside service will take place immediately following the funeral in the Panama Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Panama Volunteer Fire Department.